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Questions and Answers
Define Totalitarianism.
A form of government in which all resources in society are controlled by the state, led by one leader and one political party.
Identify the key traits for a totalitarian leader.
How had Stalin succeeded Lenin and rid his opposition?
He made his way to the top and exiled/assassinated his opposition.
What was Stalin's vision for farming/industry in the Soviet Union?
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What was the Gulag and what did Stalin aim to achieve by creating it?
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What were the purges and whom did Stalin purge? Why?
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How did Mussolini rise in power?
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Why/how was Mussolini a totalitarian dictator?
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Define Fascism.
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Study Notes
Totalitarianism Overview
- Totalitarianism is a government system where the state controls all societal resources.
- Governed by a single leader and a dominant political party.
Key Traits of Totalitarian Leaders
- Dynamic Leader: Unifies the populace, fosters loyalty, and embodies the government.
- Ideology: Justifies actions and glorifies the state.
- Total State Control: Regulates business, labor, housing, family life, education, youth organizations, religion, and the arts.
- Individual Suppression: Requires absolute obedience and personal sacrifice; fundamental freedoms are denied.
- Technological Dependence: Utilizes modern technology for propaganda and develops advanced military capabilities.
- Organized Violence: Employs terror and force against dissenters, targeting specific groups as enemies.
Stalin's Rise to Power
- Stalin succeeded Lenin by eliminating threats through exile and assassination of rivals.
Stalin's Agricultural and Industrial Vision
- Collectivization: Created state-owned collective farms; led to grain confiscation, causing widespread famine in Ukraine and Russia.
- Five-Year Plans: Aimed for rapid industrialization with strict quotas; failure often led to severe punishment or imprisonment in Gulags.
Gulag System
- A network of labor camps where prisoners faced brutal conditions; minor offenses could result in sentences, contributing to high mortality rates.
Stalin's Purges
- Conducted widespread purges aimed at eliminating perceived enemies within the Communist Party and military to consolidate his power.
Mussolini's Rise to Power
- Mussolini ascended by exploiting political instability and using nationalist sentiments to garner support.
Mussolini as a Totalitarian Dictator
- Abolished opposition parties and instigated nationalism.
- Employed organized violence and controlled the economy and education.
- Delivered emotionally charged speeches to rally public support.
Definition of Fascism
- Fascism exhibits variations based on national context but shares common attributes:
- Centralized power of the state.
- Dictatorial governance.
- Emphasis on corporatism.
- Intense nationalism.
- Belief in the superiority of the nation’s people.
- Advocacy for militarism and imperial expansion.
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Test your knowledge on totalitarianism with these flashcards. Define totalitarianism and identify the key traits of a totalitarian leader. Enhance your understanding of this political concept and its characteristics.
